Second Bike - Upgrade Advice

[Cher]

And one more thing, there's a very definite negative to a full-fairing Ducati that's already been mentioned; there are no "little" drops, or tip overs.  Bodywork is crazy money (even on ebay).  Don't ask me how I know  

[Greg]

check insurance rates on anything you are looking at....full fairings usually mean higher rates!

+1

[DRC]

Thanks for all the excellent replies.  Awesome community. 

For those interested, fairings add $435/yr to my rates :/

[fastwin]

I would never have more than one bike.

[zooom]

I would never have more than one bike.

but at 3 bikes or more, you get a discount on your insurance!!!

[ducatiz]

but at 3 bikes or more, you get a discount on your insurance!!!

You have no idea!

[m1moto]

Can't go wrong with a Monster, older S2R's or the new Evo 1100 sure looks like a great machine

Dig Hwy 67 (except for the off camber turn near the Sprucewood)

[DucatiBastard]

I bought an '06 S2R 800 as my second bike, coming from an '81 Suzuki GS650.  I have never been let down by the power of this bike, never been left wanting more.  I even "downgraded" (less HP/Torque, more weight) for my latest bike, an '01 Kawi W650.  I have upgraded the forks, brakes, wheels, etc. on the Monster.  

I'd say take a good look at what you want from your bike, I'm the kind of guy to do some 75-100 mile twisties on the weekends and commute during the week.  The monster has been great for this.  I got the W650 to do some longer touring (also its a beautiful bike), I plan to add bags and change gearing.  

I have never been on a trackday on the Monster, someday I will.  

Look at your options, a Monster might suit you better as an everyday commuter.  You also might do good with a 999 or 848 if you're leaning towards more track stuff.

Although that is a big damn hit on Insurance for a faired bike...fack!  

*edit-  And yes, like you said in your original post, this is a Great Community!   

[ab]

Don't get monster 695 or 696 or 620.  You will regret the under-power.  Trust me.  As much as I like my 620 and wont give her up, the triumph speed triple opened a whole world to me and love that bike on twisty and ease of flicking and the power. The litter bikes have lot more high speed against it but its a cornerning machine and the riding posture is not hard on the body.
Anyhow, if I had money - i would do a street fighter or 848.  That's still my dream for next bike.

[GLantern]

Don't get monster 695 or 696 or 620.  You will regret the under-power.  Trust me.  As much as I like my 620 and wont give her up, the triumph speed triple opened a whole world to me and love that bike on twisty and ease of flicking and the power. The litter bikes have lot more high speed against it but its a cornerning machine and the riding posture is not hard on the body.
Anyhow, if I had money - i would do a street fighter or 848.  That's still my dream for next bike.

+1 I wouldn't go to the 695 or 620 with the way you are learning you sound similar to myself.  I had bought a 695 as my 2nd bike and ended up selling it less then a year later for a 1098 as I was hitting the limits of the 695 rather quickly.  An 848/999 would be a good choice for a sportbike if you want a monster I suggest the S2R1000 or the new 1100Evo.  But yes you can handle it and should do it just remember to respect the bike and you will have many fun miles!

[Shifty]

Good idea? Sure, you know your limits better than we do! Now that that's out of the way, let's help you choose a bike... 

Okay so I just went through the 999/748/Monster debate on my own very recently. I started on a 250 Ninja (one summer), then progressed to a 600 Katana (fast, looked good, but heavy... I honestly bought it with the intention of preparing myself for a Monster). I rode the Kat for about 1.5 years... dropped her once, layed her down once... soooo glad it wasn't a Duc when that happened. Anyway, I finally picked up a 620 Monster as my third bike and really fell in love. I owned that 620 for about 2.5 years with no real complaints (other than being envious of everyone doing power wheelies around me). Last year, a move to a new home increased my commute from 10 to 30 miles. The new commute was also all highway driving with no curves. Suddenly the little 620 wasn't so much fun. It was just a little buzzy for me, and frankly a bit boring in a straight line.

I got the Superbike bug HARD. I rode about 3 999's, a 748 and an 848. I was set on a 999R. After some convincing of the wife, I made the trip to the local Ducati dealer with cash in hand for a deposit on a pristine, modded, low mile 999. I sat on that thing in the showroom, looked down at all the pretty fairings and carbon fiber and it hit me: I would never have fun on this thing because I would ALWAYS BE PARANOID. Also, would I really be comfortable on this thing as a daily? I left the dealership with my money that night a little confused. The next morning an equally pristine S4R came up for sale on craigslist and I snapped it up. Haven't looked back whatsoever.

IMO the S-series bikes are the best of both worlds: SBK technology and power in a Monster wrapper. As a bonus (and as you mentioned above), insurance on the naked bike is much more affordable. That's mod money in your pocket!

[DRC]

I would love to check out an S-series monster.  Unfortunately, the local Craigslist isn't exactly plush with them :/

[corey]

That's not necessarily a bad thing...
Keep an eye out in nearby cities that are within driving distance, then you'll be one of the few (if not the only) local to have one

[Grampa]

You need a 2007 dark 1098. I'll toss in a free putbull stand and one free Reg Pridmore ClassRides date at Laguna Seca.

[DRC]

^^^



Now I just need a way to get out to the Bay Area to pick it up.  And money.  Yeah money's probably important.